1971 India Pakistan War: Role of Russia, China, America and Britain

It was in the year 1971 when the two South Asian rivals declared war on each other, causing a great loss to the lives, property and territory in case of Pakistan.

“As the topic sounds controversial, before we begin we would like to tell that every information in this article is sourced. The article was written after a detail analysis of various sources. All the relevant and immediate sources are listed at the end of the Article.”

Background

Countries Involved in 1971 War, Click to Enlarge

Before 1971, Bangladesh used to be a part of Pakistan as East Pakistan. According to Najam Sethi, a well respected and honoured journalist from Pakistan, East Pakistan always complained that they received less development funds and less attention from the West Pakistan (Punjabi) dominating government. Bengalis in East Pakistan also resisted the adoption of Urdu as the state language. The revenue from export, whether it was from the Cotton of West Pakistan or Jute of East Pakistan, was handled mainly by West Pakistan. Lastly, in an election conducted just some months before the war, the victory was gained by the East Pakistani leader and still he was not given the power, thus fueling the movement in East Pakistan.

Pakistani army started its operation in East Pakistan to contain the movement and anger among the Bengalis. It is reported that the army was involved in mass killing of public and mass rape of women. India was aware of this and was only waiting for a trigger to start the war. India started receiving huge number of refugees which became unmanageable, pushing it to intervene in the situation. The situation soon attracted the attention of many other countries. Thus the war later was not only between India and Pakistan, but many countries were involved in 1971 Indo Pakistani war (War of Liberation of Bangladesh) directly or indirectly.

In May, Indira Gandhi wrote to Nixon about the ‘carnage in East Bengal’ and the flood of refugees, burdening India. After L K Jha (then the Indian ambassador to US) had warned Kissinger that India might have to send back some of the refugees as guerrillas, Nixon commented, ‘By God, we will cut off economic aid [to India].’

A few days later, when the US president said ‘the goddamn Indians’ were preparing for another war, Kissinger retorted ‘they are the most aggressive goddamn people around.’

US and China Connection, A Little Known Fact

(All Excerpts and Sources from 929 page long Volume XI of the Foreign Relations of the United States)

US sympathized with Pakistan, because of various reasons. Among them two reasons were that: firstly, Pakistan belonged to American led military Pact, CENTO and SEATO; secondly, US believed any victory of India will be considered as the expansion of Soviet influence in the parts gained by India with the victory, as it was believed to be a pro Soviet nation, even though they were non aligned.

In a telegram sent to US Secretary of State Will Roger, on March 28, 1971, the staff of the US consulate in Dhaka complained, ‘Our government has failed to denounce the suppression of democracy. Our government has failed to denounce atrocities. Our government has failed to take forceful measures to protect its citizens while at the same time bending over backwards to placate the West Pakistan dominated government… We, as professional public servants express our dissent with current policy and fervently hope that our true and lasting interests here can be defined and our policies redirected in order to salvage our nation’s position as a moral leader of the free world.’

This brought China in the picture. US needed help from China and the messenger was Pakistan. US approached China very secretly on this issue, who was more than welcoming as it believed that their relations with US could improve from this onward.

During the second week of July, 1971, Kissinger arrived in Beijing, where he heard the words by then Chinese Prime Minister Zhou Enlai: “In our opinion, if India continues on its present course in disregard of world opinion, it will continue to go on recklessly. We, however, support the stand of Pakistan. This is known to the world. If they [the Indians] are bent on provoking such a situation, then we cannot sit idly by.’ On this, Kissinger responded that China should know that the US also backs Pakistan on this issue.

Indira Gandhi, the Indian prime minister in those times decided to tour most of the Western capitals to prove Indian stand and gain support and sympathy for the Bengalis of East Pakistan. On November 4th and 5th she met Nixon in Washington. Nixon straight forwardly told her that a new war in the subcontinent was out of the question.

The next day, Nixon and Kissinger assessed the situation. Kissinger told Nixon: ‘The Indians are bastards anyway. They are plotting a war.’

The pressure increased in East Pakistan, which attracted Indian attention. Indians were preparing for war and were concentrated on the Eastern front. To divert the pressure, on December 3, in the dark of night, even before India could attack East Pakistan, Pakistan opened western front and air raided six Indian Airfields in Kashmir and Punjab.

The CIA reported to the US President that Indian Prime Minister believes that the Chinese will never intervene militarily in North India, and thus, any action from China would be a surprise for India and Indian military might collapse in tensed situation caused by fighting in three different fronts (East, North and West).

Hearing this, on December 9, Nixon decided to send the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise into the Bay of Bengal to threaten India. The plan was to Surround India from all four sides and force them to retreat and leave East Pakistan.

On December 10, Nixon instructed Kissinger to ask the Chinese to move some troops toward the Indian frontier. ‘Threaten to move forces or move them, Henry, that’s what they must do now.’ China feared any action on India might attract Soviet aggression. At this, US assured China that any action taken by Soviet Union will be countered by US to protect China.

Pakistani army had somehow maintained their position and resisted Indian advancement. They believed China is preparing to open the Northern front which will slow down or completely stop the Indian advancement. In fact, the myth of Chinese activity was also communicated to Pakistan’s army to boost their moral, to keep their will to fight and hope alive. Lieutenant General A A K Niazi, the Pakistani army commander in Dhaka, was informed: “NEFA front has been activated by Chinese, although the Indians, for obvious reasons, have not announced it.” But Beijing never did.

In Washington, Nixon analysed the situation thus: ‘If the Russians get away with facing down the Chinese and the Indians get away with licking the Pakistanis…we may be looking down the gun barrel.’ Nixon was not sure about China. Did they really intend to start a military action against India?

Soviet Union / Russian Role in the Indo Pakistan 1971 War.

As India had decided to go on with the war, and Indira Gandhi had failed to gain American support and sympathy for the Bengalis who were being tortured in East Pakistan, she finally took a hard move and on August 9, signed a treaty of peace, friendship and cooperation with Soviet Union.

The State Department historian says, ‘in the perspective of Washington, the crisis ratcheted up a dangerous notch, India and the Soviet Union have signed a treaty of peace, friendship and cooperation.’ It was a shock to America as this was what they feared, expansion of Soviet influence in South Asia. They feared that involvement of Soviet Union could sabotage their plan.

On December 4, just one day after Pakistan raided Indian airfields in Kashmir and Punjab declaring war on India, America’s proxy involvement in the war was becoming clear. Thinking that the Soviet Union might enter the war if they come to know this, which could cause a lot of destruction to Pakistan and American equipment given to Pakistan, US ambassador to the United Nations George H W Bush [later 41st president of the United States and father of George Bush] introduced a resolution in the UN Security Council, calling for a cease-fire and the withdrawal of armed forces by India and Pakistan. Believing India can win the war and Indira Gandhi being determined to protect the interest of Bengalis, Soviet Union vetoed out the resolution, thus letting India fight for the cause. Nixon and Kissinger pressurized Soviets to a very extent but luck did not support them.

On 3rd December, 1971, the World was shaken by another war between India and Pakistan. Pakistani airforce raided Indian cities and airstrips. The Indian PM, Indira Gandhi, brought the country in the state of emergency and ordered Indian army to reflect the aggression. Fierce military operations developed on the ground, in the air and in the sea.

According to the information from our ambassador in Delhi, in the very first day of the conflict the Indian destroyer ‘Rajput’ had sunk a Pakistani submarine with deep bombing. On December, 4 and 9, the speed boats of India had destroyed and damaged 10 Pakistani battle ships and vessels by Soviet anti ship P-15 missiles. In addition 12 Pakistani oil storage were burned in flame.”

Britain and Soviet Confrontation

Confidential – The Commander of the Military Intelligence Service Gen. Pyotr Ivashutin.

“The Soviet Intelligence has reported that the English operative connection has come nearer to territorial India, water led by an aircraft carrier “Eagle” [On December 10]. For helping friendly India, Soviet government has directed a group of ships under the command of contr-admiral V. Kruglyakov.”

Vladimir Kruglyakov, the former (1970-1975) Commander of the 10th Operative Battle Group (Pacific Fleet) remembers:

“I was ordered by the Chief Commander to track the British Navy’s advancement, I positioned our battleships in the Bay of Bengal and watched for the British carrier “Eagle”.

But Soviet Union didn’t have enough force to resist if they encountered the British Carrier. Therefore, to support the existing Soviet fleet in the Bay of Bengal, Soviet cruisers, destroyers and nuclear submarines, equipped with anti ship missiles, were sent from Vladivostok.

In reaction English Navy retreated and went South to Madagascar.

Soon the news of American carrier Enterprise and USS Tripoli’s advancement towards Indian water came.

V. Kruglyakov “ I had obtained the order from the commander-in-chief not to allow the advancement of the American fleet to the military bases of India”

We encircled them and aimed the missiles at the ‘Enterprise’. We had blocked their way and didn’t allow them to head anywhere, neither to Karachi, nor to Chittagong or Dhaka”.

The Soviet ships had small range rockets (only upto 300 KM). Therefore, to hold the opponent under the range, commanders ran risks of going as near to the enemy as possible.

“The Chief Commander had ordered me to lift the submarines and bring them to the surface so that it can be pictured by the American spy satellites or can be seen by the American Navy!’ It was done to demonstrate, that we had all the needed things in Indian Ocean, including the nuclear submarines. I had lifted them, and they recognized it. Then, we intercepted the American communication. The commander of the Carrier Battle Group was then the counter-admiral Dimon Gordon. He sent the report to the 7th American Fleet Commander: ‘Sir, we are too late. There are Russian nuclear submarines here, and a big collection of battleships’.

Americans returned and couldn’t do anything. Soviet Union had also threatened China that, if they ever opened a front against India on its border, they will receive a tough response from North.

Role of Sri Lanka

Pakistani high commissioner in Colombo, Seema Ilahi Baloch said in her speech addressed to Lanka-Pakistan business council in Colombo in June, 2011 that Pakistan can never forget the help which Sri Lanka offered to Pakistan during the 1971 war between India and Pakistan.

“We in Pakistan cannot forget the logistical and political support Sri Lanka extended to us in 1971 when it opened its refueling facilities for us,” she said.

Pakistani Aircraft destined to East Pakistan flew taking a round of India via Sri Lanka, since they could not fly over Indian sky. This forced Pakistan to get its aircrafts refueled on the way. Sri Lanka eager to help Pakistan, allowed Pakistani aircrafts for refueling at the Bandaranaike airport.

The war ended with the surrender of Pakistani army as they missed American help due to quick Russians who blocked both America and China from preventing India to advance. With this, a new country named Bangladesh was formed, which was recognized by the whole world and by Pakistan in the following year with Shimla Agreement.

Sanskar Shrivastava is the founder of international students' journal, The World Reporter. Passionate about dynamic occurrence in geopolitics, Sanskar has been studying and analyzing geopolitcal events from early life. At present, Sanskar is a student at the Russian Centre of Science and Culture and will be moving to Duke University.

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Ok.I am Pakistani.In Bangladesh Pakistan did bad .What india is doing in Kashmir.Total population hate india.Indian army is not doing well in Kashmir.They are raping Kashmirs girls.Is it right or wrong.What about babri mosque and gujrat incident.Indian government is involved in Balochistan dispute and Karachi terorism.These are few examples.It is fashion to say bad to Pakistan.is india innocent.Think ?Answer me if you have courage.My email address is.[email protected]

ttpompy

do u know the voting percentage in kashmir ? stop sending terrorist to india ok! babri mosque was demolished because it was the birth place of lord RAM whom an islamic invader named babar destroyed and built mosque over it, do you justify such things in islam?…balochistan is not connected with india by land so there is no involvement what so ever!! look at your karachi episode in vice news, where pathans fighting mahajirs and baloch fightings othres lolz, totally a city of jokes… please watch welcome to karachi ok!!.. yes in guj, godhra incident happened and its already proven that there was a pakistani connection who burned 80 hindus to ignite the riots

The article doesn’t cite what Pakistan did in Bangladesh or What India is doing in Kashmir, The article is about how US, England, Russia and China were involved in the war.

India knows what Pakistan did, and Pakistan knows what India did. But many people in both the nations do not know how US, China, Russia and England was involved.

Let us not divert from the topic

Anyway, About Kashmir, many allegations against India are true, but not all.. IF everything was true then Kashmiris wouldnt have voted in the election. Their turn out was more than 50% which means they believe in Indian democratic system and do not wish to move away from India.

Babri Mazjid is criticised everywhere even in India, most of the leaders lost the popularity. this is one of the cause why BJP couldn’t come in power again despite so much development which was done in their time.

But a matured Indian system, supreme court has resolved the issue and there is peace everywhere.

About Gujarat incident, even Indian criticize those who were involved. Though nothing has been proved completely, but popularity of Narendra Modi has gone down.. But his development record, good governance and thinking is so amazing that Gujarat alone can be compared with many European countries in terms of economy and facility. His incredible achievement makes him popular and a potential candidate for Prime Minister in the next election. Everything about Gujarat riot is still not clear and nobody can be blamed.

There is no proof of Indian involvement in Balochistan and Karachi terrorism with Pakistan, India had proof of Kasab’s pakistani indentity and they shared with Pakistan as well as 100 other countries. But Pakistan never shared the evidence even after being asked by India.

Suraksh Shetty

Well , I am a proud Indian & i am unhappy with your comments.

India has not done anything at Kashmir. Its pakistan which is trying to destabilise India by providing Guns to the Kashmiris. Kashmir is and would be an integral part of India.

India has a fundamentally strong Judiciary, a stable government , 2.5 million strong armed force, a country where people believe in democracy.

India is developing fast & has an aim to become the World Superpower, which they will with time.

http://www.blogger.com/profile/16381133371200621633 Rajkumar

India never invoalved in any terror activities in balochistan or Karachi. Pak is trying to divert attention, and blame everything on india and america for its own problem. Pak should take a long look at their path and decide the future. One mosque war destroyed. How many temples are destroyed in pak daily and how many are converted to hotels daily? Why cant u see whats happening in pak? Godhra riots started when muslims burnt alive hundreds of hindu pilgrims travelling in train. Both communities died in the riots. All the four wars was started by pak. If india had started any war, there would be no pak today. India wanted peace. When vajpayee was in lahore talking to pak. Pak quietly sent troops to kargil.

http://www.blogger.com/profile/16381133371200621633 Rajkumar

Indian army in Kashmir is protecting people there. Few terrorists are interrogated there. Infiltrators are killed. Thats what they are doing. In kashmir very people face violent death than the rest of the country, it is the reality. It is pak that is creating an illusion of violence.

http://www.blogger.com/profile/06064452768058093522 jyotirmoy

During that period USA and Russia were the real super powers and it was they who dictated the terms and conditions of global political mobilization as per their sphere of influence and mental inclination. But things have changed drastically with the rapid authoritative progress by China both in influence and military capabilities across complete Asia. Neither the disintegrated Russia nor the beaten back America, can now play their role without pleasing/obtaining permission of China.In the whole gamut,India as of now stands nearly isolated,encircled and totally dominated by the diplomatic,economic and military capability of the Chinese.The non involvement of China during 1971 war,now appears to be their own master plan rather than threat of Russia. The tremendous mistrust,distrust and enmity generated after the liberation(formation) of Bangladesh,between India and Pakistan,was to the advantage and win-win achievement to Chinese game plan. While successfully injecting failure oriented hatred against USA in the mind of Pakistan(nearly converted to reality now),the Chinese moved their pawns in a superlative master skill to checkmate the political supremacy in this region step by step as under–1) By removing Majibur Rahman,India’s influence on Bangladesh was cut short permanently2)Advising Pakistan to ensure a huge influx of Muslim fundamentalist to India and spread across the nation, in the guise of distressed/displaced Hindus, who could be gainfully utilized in various subservient/terrorist activities (as is seen now)3)To throttle any move by India specially in western front(J&K included),the Chinese Installed a strong army base at the gilgit region (donated by Pakistan).4) After eliminating the popular King, the Chinese,brought Nepal under their control through a Marxist movement5)Democratically elected government at Myanmar was prevented to take charge,by engineering a puppet army rule.6)Iran was brought under their wings by providing diplomatic and material assistance.7)China is now busy in spreading their influence in all Muslim Arab countries with anti American propaganda,and by providing necessary support.Had the American Bastards (as per their own diplomatic dictionary),acted with human brain a skill and vision today the political scenario of entire subcontinent would have been different.

KumarPalani

United States once spent millions on Middle East and it all came down to 9/11 China will soon learn lessons

Roy Raden

China is not invincible as quite evident in the Vietnam war. Chinese do not yet posses the expertise to threaten India,with the current regime in the centre things will only improve in the centre with the resurgent economy and the sphere of influence is only rising. Also Bloomberg Business article reflects that even Russia is apprehensive of China as is evident in its overtures to Japan and South Korea. India is no longer the 1962 India its economy and military will continue to reflect that.

@yasirbm928::I don’t agree with your comment “In Bangladesh Pakistan did bad”, TRUTH is “Pakistanis did worst or Horrible”, they killed 3 million people, mostly Hindu, raped women. That’s the worst Genocide, after Hitler.Let me tell you 1 thing, Pakistan always wanted Kashmir, and fought 3 wars and what did they got? NOTHING, To the worst, they lost Bangladesh!!! Are you guys are the biggest FOOLs and your politicians are the God damn stupid!! LOL…East Pakistan were your own country, your own people, even majority Muslims(As Pak is a Islamic country) n why did you repress them, kill them!!! And now you are saying INDIANS killing Kashmirs!!! Is Indian army stationed in Kashmir before!!! You guys started Terrorism, that’s why Army comes to pic, and let me tell you, Militants started killing Kashmiri Hindus. AND now No Kashmiri wants to join Pakistan, as they know very well about the current situation of your country, every day people are dying in the blast!!! Let me make you understand ONE thing, if still you and your people didn’t understand: EVEN YOU FIGHT WITH INDIA FOR THOUSAND YEARS, YOU WILL NEVER GOT AN INCH OF THE KASHMIR, MIGHT LOST ANOTHER PART LIKE YOU DID IN 1971. KASHMIR WAS AN INTEGRAL PART OF INDIA N IT WILL REMAIN THE SAME FOREVER.

Regarding Babri Mazjid and Gujurat incident, please mind your own business, that’s totally internal affair to INDIA. Muslims in INDIA living in peace and growing with Incredible INDIA. Talking about minority, how many Hindus, Christians live in Pakistan and how many temples, churches are in Pakistan!!! We have 13.4% Muslims in India, who are ready to sacrifice their life for Mother INDIA. We are a secular country and will be in future. And do you have little SHAME blaming INDIA for terrorist, LOL, are you OUT OF YOUR GOD DAMN MIND? You are the f*** terrorists, whole world knows what you did and doing right now!!!

Please stop hatred on INDIANs, just live in peace and let us live and prosper. We are not animals!!! Is it WORTH fight for nth, as many people are in poverty, dieing becoz of Hunger. Is that a country Muhammad Ali Jinnah dreamed of when Pakistan created??

Aneesh

Why Pakistan Army mostly Rape Hindu Women ? why they don’t rape Muslim Women ? Because as per Holy Quran at the End of World there will be a war between Muslim and Non Muslim (Mainly Hindu, Christian, Buddhist …etc.) And Muslim will Defeat By Non Muslim in first war. And after the second war They will win and they will kill all Non Muslim Specially Hindu. So every Muslim think that Hindu People are Dangerous So if they get any kind of chance to hurt Hindu people they will not loose. And one more thing As per Holy Quran every Muslim are brothers even they are Pakistan or Indians. even they are enemies they are brothers . Ask any Muslim if u want to

http://www.blogger.com/profile/12125986428898984858 James

@yasirbm928I don’t agree with your comment “In Bangladesh Pakistan did bad”, TRUTH is “Pakistanis did worst or Horrible”, they killed 3 million people, mostly Hindu, raped women. That’s the worst Genocide, after Hitler.Let me tell you 1 thing, Pakistan always wanted Kashmir, and fought 3 wars and what did they got? NOTHING, To the worst, they lost Bangladesh!!! Are you guys are the biggest FOOLs and your politicians are the God damn stupid!! LOL…East Pakistan were your own country, your own people, even majority Muslims(As Pak is a Islamic country) n why did you repress them, kill them!!! And now you are saying INDIANS killing Kashmirs!!! Is Indian army stationed in Kashmir before!!! You guys started Terrorism, that’s why Army comes to pic, and let me tell you, Militants started killing Kashmiri Hindus. AND now No Kashmiri wants to join Pakistan, as they know very well about the current situation of your country, every day people are dying in the blast!!! Let me make you understand ONE thing, if still you and your people didn’t understand: EVEN YOU FIGHT WITH INDIA FOR THOUSAND YEARS, YOU WILL NEVER GOT AN INCH OF THE KASHMIR, MIGHT LOST ANOTHER PART LIKE YOU DID IN 1971. KASHMIR WAS AN INTEGRAL PART OF INDIA N IT WILL REMAIN THE SAME FOREVER.

Regarding Babri Mazjid and Gujurat incident, please mind your own business, that’s totally internal affair to INDIA. Muslims in INDIA living in peace and growing with Incredible INDIA. Talking about minority, how many Hindus, Christians live in Pakistan and how many temples, churches are in Pakistan!!! We have 13.4% Muslims in India, who are ready to sacrifice their life for Mother INDIA. We are a secular country and will be in future. And do you have little SHAME blaming INDIA for terrorist, LOL, are you OUT OF YOUR GOD DAMN MIND? You are the f*** terrorists, whole world knows what you did and doing right now!!!

Please stop hatred on INDIANs, just live in peace and let us live and prosper. We are not animals!!! Is it WORTH fight for nth, as many people are in poverty, dieing becoz of Hunger. Is that a country Muhammad Ali Jinnah dreamed of when Pakistan created??

Anonymous

I thought you write all articles, I see this is taken or has been copied from here..

@AnonymousOh my god! thanks for letting us know. We published this article on 30th OCt, they copied on 5th nov. I am goinig to raise this issue.

Thank you!

Anonymous

Many facts in this article are wrong. Readers should refer to the recent book of Sharmila Bose, an Indian on the subject. There has never been an independent enquiry of alleged atrocities by Pakistan Army. The facts provided are from Indian propaganda machinery. Can 24,000 Pakistani soldiers rape half a million Bengali women in about 9 months?

Raghu Reddy

Its possible. Ask Bengalis.Why blame India when its Bangladeshis who tell so.

We never mentioned on our article that a small number of Pakistani amry raped half a million Bengali women. We said Pakistani army was involved in mass killing and rape of women.

Please go through the article sources and reports links listed at the end of the article for the verification of the facts.

Anonymous

Thanks a lot Svetlana for the article…

Anonymous

We Indians love Russia and thanks Russians for their support… If we are in the race of being a superpower then its not only the hardwork of our people but also the cooperation and help given by Russians.. Will soon visit Russia to see Kremlin and to travel in Trans Siberian train

Raghu Reddy

dont keeping on saying we are in race to be superpower. As an Indian you make me laugh too!!!!!!!. India needs to be strong,good match for China in all areas.

Anonymous

I am an indian and i am very thankful to russian government and people of russia who helped us in all our bad times and now world is saying that india and russia are perfect partners.I want to appriciate sveltana for her keen observation about india and its 100% correct by[email protected]

LOL. 90000 pakistani surrendered in East pakistan where 20 thousand were civilian. Which means 5-6 rape by One soldier(exculuding. Pakistani civilian can and did raped many innocent girls and women, and many soldier died and some did not surrendered) in 9 months equal 1 rape in 54 days is simple possible( Especially for pakistani who inherited raping capablity of mughal muslim).

@ Author.

Great and best article about foriegn involvement in Indo-Pak war 1971. Thanks.

http://www.blogger.com/profile/06401580763166106909 arnab

Today’s pakistani says that they did bad in bangladesh. but they don’t have the honest courage to beg marchy for what they did in 1971. They left a country of cry,blood,destruction… they killed most of our Intellectuals including teacher,doctor,engineer,student.so u pak,show ur minimum humanity,ask for pardon nationally for your deeds of 1971.

surinder

Very interesting and very accurate. I was present personally in Moscow when late Mr. DP Dhar was informed (on telephone) by the Soviet Prime Minister about the deployment/movement of American 7th fleet in the Bay of Bengal. That they would prevent its movement – as evidenced above – and that India should finish the conflict as soon as possible. He was assured that the Soviet Ambassador would veto any resolution in the UN Security Council which was not to the liking of India.

Mr. Dhar had come to Moscow during the height of the conflict to consult with the Soviet authorities in what manner the conflict may evolve and what was the repercussions could be with the involvement of China and US. The British were only bystanders without any serious input to the situationh. With the passing away of Mr. AK Damodaran yesterday, all the witnesses to these events,, except one writing this, have gone to their graves. There are of course historical documents but the verbal history would be lost as there is no serious attempt in India to look at this most significant event whose ripple effects are still vibrating.

Agastya Marakandeya

May I request you to write down everything you remember and put it on a website.
Or put it as a blog article. That is free. It will also remain forever.

Anonymous

ha ha ha NOOB comments here ..especially Pakistani ones…well all i know is that USA sent nuke capable USS Enterprise to bay of Bengal to show its strength against Indian A/C carrier during the naval blockade of East Pakistan .. they soviets then deployed (2 or more i guess) submarines in that area ..a massive confrontation was avoided when US sensed the presence of Soviet Subs in that area and they moved towards the South China sea 😀 …it was then India saw a need of developing nuclear strike capabilities and went for smiling Buddha in 1974 😀

Anonymous

and y the hell do our comments need approval all the time O_O …y not simply publish it -__-

http://www.blogger.com/profile/14458516951644107355 RAHUL

U S is all i know is a good country…….good democrats but i think most of them are corrupt …as pakistan give their money back to us politicians and they happily support pakistan over india…freaks us…bullshit us

http://www.blogger.com/profile/13911159348461969711 Svetlana Petrova

Thanks for appreciating the work which has been done in collecting all information and presenting here.

@Anonymous: We need to moderate comment to filter out the foul languages sometimes used by commentators.

Thanks

Dheeman

It isn’t as simple as in 1971.I’ll tell you what’s it’s like now-The scenario has changed, Bangladesh is slowly slipping into a pro radical Islamic state, thanks to ISI.

It should have been after 1971, Bangladesh sharing a cordial relations with us like Bhutan.Alas, it is not so.

Any disgruntled and frustrated Pakistani is free to counter blame and demonize India,they are not a threat.But a handful of ISI operatives fomenting trouble certainly are.

Soon, you will see a demand for a separate ‘Mughalistan’ as an extension of Bangladesh in the North East.I am a local so I know.Massive Infiltration of poor Muslim Bangladeshis is rampant-They are outnumbering us 3 to 1 in majority of places in Assam.

The demography of North East India is changing,with ISI radicalizing Muslims,this is a disaster waiting to happen.There is concrete proof of china supporting Northeastern militant groups by supplying arms.

The situation is getting bad out here,I doubt whether anyone in rest of India really gauges the threat of China-Pak conspiracy by using Bangladesh as the perpetrator. God help us…

http://www.blogger.com/profile/01985577910459576582 jai

what all i can say is thank you russia.love you russia.

http://www.blogger.com/profile/01985577910459576582 jai

thank you for letting me know the fact. very impressive information.

Anonymous

Indians belong to r1a1a strain of people like east Europeans and Russians. This means if Slavic people mate with Indians, the kids will still look Slavic. Negroid Tribes in India account to around 20% (scheduled casts and tribal) of the population the rest is r1a1a, many look non caucasian because of lack of grooming and high UV radiation in India. This is a singular opportunity for Slavic people to increase their population, don’t let Chinese demographic shift inundate your country, invite safe Indian immigrants.

http://www.blogger.com/profile/09920098363456334425 Sumit upadhayay

india will repay to russia in future.

thanks russia

KumarPalani

India is already repaying Russia, we never participated in the western world’s pointless economic Sanctions and are buying a considerable amount of goods and raw materials from Russia.

We Indians Should Never Forget the day Russians Helped us.

Anonymous

Bengal joining with Pakistan was wrong in 1948.Which Sarat Basu,A.K Fazlul Haque,Sattendra Nath Datta,C.R Das Hussain Shurawardhy wanted a Greater Bengal.But dirty politics created to separate two nation theory with religious identity Hindu and Islam.Bengal has nothing to do with religious to separate the Bengali people,as a nation we are Bengali first then religion,what ever you practice.It’s your believe and practice.Unfortunate after independence of Pakistan we used to hear Kashmir,”Mar ke langa Kashmir,Jet ke lega Kashmir”it’s nonsense to escalated religious as weapon,killing all the innocent people.Pakistan attitude towards his neighboring countries must have to be change,old Theology Jihad has different meaning it’s not war it also says about his/her purification of sole.Stop all these bulling stories by Pakistan,now in 2011 Lt.Gen Hamid Gul ISI Director General Said”Two nation one Theory”,if you are brave come to Bangladesh we will bring all those culprit for international court of justice,which thousands of Military escapes from Bangladesh,which Bangladesh has the right to prosecute the.Pakistan politician including religious leaders are culprit and corrupted,they must surrender these people to Bangladesh to prosecute who are still alive.We Bangladesh Arm forces and Muktijuddha are hand in hand with Mitra Bahini India and Russia help us to liberate our country,Thank you very much.Pakistan politics is a garbage,no decent people can not stay in Pakistan,maximum of them lair and Fundamentalist Islamic country,who surrender the Uyghur people in exchange of nuclear technology and gave lease Kashmir to communist china.

http://www.blogger.com/profile/04442790470551362519 Shashwat Harsh

yes really Russians are india’s best frient as if it wasn’t help us in the time of need then we might be lost the war with pakistan & U.S.A in 1971.

Firstly, Brilliant article. I for one have read about this entire episode some years ago in the book Nixon, Indira And India: Politics And Beyond which It is heart warming to see someone write an article about this after so many years as these according to me were the golden period in India Soviet relations in the field of Geo politics. Too bad that during the next renewal of the treaty between Russia and India the clause of ‘security’ was dropped otherwise we would have been a formidable force to counter the Chinese influence in the region. India and China have a lot of border disputes and now the South China Sea haggling has added some more oil in the fire.

Lastly, it is also strange to compare the situation now and back in the 1970’s. America and Britain threatened to almost nuke India taking Pakistan’s side and now America and Britain are both super friendly with us. Strange eh, success of a country can turn former foes into friends.

I remember one quote from the book I mentioned above in which when Nixon got to know about ‘India’s invasion of Bangladesh he said “Those Indians are the most aggressive god damn people around”. hahah, if he only cared for human lives.

Keep churning some more stuff like this.

Cheers

Anonymous

Great article.India and Russia are FRIENDS FOREVER,I have a great honour and Love for Russia and it increased by this article.Love Russia.

Anonymous

well…russia has paid the price in war against afghanistan and every body knows the role of pakistan in that war…… can any body counts his parts now….

now india its your turn we won’t divide you in parts rather we will raise our flag in india and time is not far

Anonymous

Welcome… India is waiting for u brother…

Anonymous

Dude, first survive the bombs that are blasting in your country every other day…then think of attacking any one else…

Anonymous

@Anonymousyou will never achieve your goal you will eat grass for thousand years and die out slowly from the world.

Anonymous

No way………….Pakistan just wanted dictator and hate brotherhood………liberty and democracy are their enemy……..i luv innocent Pakistani but i hate their…..terror in the name of god

Anonymous

we must know that we the people are mortal, there is no point in fighting……..remember we’ ve one destination..IE..death……

http://www.blogger.com/profile/05454260399813491815 bhavesh sonwani

@Svetlana Petrova

I just love your article, this is a brilliant work. I love Russia and their people a lot. without the Russian help things could have been much different. They are our true friend who always help us in every difficult situation we face.<3 <3 this is to Russia <3 <3

krishnan

jai jai russia,we all indians(120 crore)always thanks to russia.each other love &help will continue until the end of world.

Anonymous

dekha if we (indians) stand alltogether then no america,england and china can make us apart

http://www.blogger.com/profile/12512731654594801287 naresh

i’m naresh an indian… Dividing pakisthan with india is big issue:) in future , if east pakisthan is in existance means , its very problematic for india:-) themself they(pakisthan)dig a pit:-) may be its an idea from thinkers from india to separate pakisthan:-) any ways now bangladesh is safe:-) in proper hands:-)?

http://www.blogger.com/profile/12512731654594801287 naresh

during 1971 war russia friendship is essential:-) luckyly they helped us:-) russia is real super power:-) credit goes to indira for her bold decision to join hands with russia:-) present truth is pakisthan trying to take revenge by separating jand k from india:-) not possible:-)

http://www.blogger.com/profile/12512731654594801287 naresh

i’m naresh an indian… Dividing pakisthan with india is big issue:) in future , if east pakisthan is in existance means , its very problematic for india:-) themself they(pakisthan)dig a pit:-) may be its an idea from thinkers from india to separate pakisthan:-) any ways now bangladesh is safe:-) in proper hands:-)?

we peoples(hindus) r very thankful to russians. thanks for ur support. we(hindus) love russia and will always support u whenever u need.

ravi teja

brother it will b nice to say indians , there are many people from different religions ,took part in building india ,hail russia, hail india , hail universal brother hood !

Steve Bakewell

80% of Indians are Hindus so.

Anonymous

ok ok what did Russia in 1971 and they paid in Afghanistan …pak took the revenge Badley …so where is Russian superpower now ….India helped Russia in afghanistan as well but they both defeated by isi and how many states lost by Russia …

http://www.blogger.com/profile/15149431546303415782 Andra Tudor

@AnonymousRussia was forced to leave Afghanistan by CIA and ISI supported Mujaheddin. That was the time when ISI learned these tactics which it used against India. I do not think Pakistan alone defeated Russia. ISI has not defeated India in any war. Soviet Union did not breakup because of ISI or Pakistan.

sangram

China is going to milk client states as its own backyard is highly polluted
through uncontrolled industrialization.

Sagar

India will always support Russia. When whole world was against us , Russia backed India. Love from India. India has changed over these last two decades. Right from Space Technology to Defense System + Economics , India made reasonable advancement. This makes world to take note of India in important matters.

We will cont. to improve our strategic relationship with Russia by sharing technology + Business with Russia. India has good talent pool , Our scientist should leave NASA and Join ISRO.

Salute Russia!

Important Quote :-

A Person can trust serpent but not American / Britishers. This is coz , they are most opportunistic people on earth.

Vigilantcitizen

Many of you are praising the USSR, which for some of you (and the author) was India’s salvation. The U.S. and Britain were the enemy, opportunists, exploiters etc., ignoring American foreign aid and the British humanitarian assistance helping modernize India.

You conveniently forget the USSR betrayal of India when the Soviets gave Mao the go ahead and punish India in 1962, which he did, humiliating and defeating the Indian army and seizing Tibet! Read Mao: the Untold story by Jung Chang.

revoltman

True, India should balance its relations carefully.

KumarPalani

Soviets never authorized Chinese move on India, in reality it was a move made by the Chinese on their own. Although some believe China was a Soviet Client state, it was never true, the Influence Soviets had over eastern Europe or Korea was far little than what they had on China.

Chinese mostly acted on their own, Mr. Mao was not a man who can be told what to do and what not. After Stalin, Chino-soviet relationship deteriorated constantly till they broke off and China kissed its arch rival United States.

Vigilantcitizen

In retrospect (hindsight is always best), we Americans should perhaps
have supported India in the cold war, but it was India that picked the
USSR, so what were we to do? It was a geopolitical game between the two superpowers and the fact is most everybody else were pawns. U.S. and Britain have done a lot for India, whether you admit it or not!

You KumarPalani wrote: “Soviets never authorized Chinese move on
India, in reality it was a move made by the Chinese on their own.”
Authorize, approve, give a nod, semantics is all semantics.

Brezhnev did give Mao the OK to attack India; Mao was itching to
attack and teach India a lesson and the Russians relented. Brezhnev
could have said No and used the Soviet fleet (as they did in the Bay of
Bengal in the war in the India – Pakistan War of 1971) as a big stick,
not to mention provide logistics and intelligence to India.

But the Russians did not do so! They abandoned India when having to
choose between India and China. So let’s not forget that inconvenient
fact! Read the book I recommended previously; it documents the
geopolitics of this area well!

By the posting going on here (for 3 years!), it appears that the
Indians are better friends than the Pakistanis. Indians/Hindu friendship
with Russia today is still solid and the appreciation of Indians for
Russia is palpable and noted. Unlike the Indians, the Pakistanis and
Afghans have played a double game with the U.S. during the war on
terror. Once they defeated the Russian bear, they have no use for
America’s friendship, only foreign aid!

America had to work on her own to capture and execute Bin Laden, for
example, who had been hiding under the very noses of Pakistani
intelligence!

Nevertheless, we Americans do not forget friends either. The story
of a brave Afghan who worked with America is telling. I recommend you
read it:

I also admit Putin is a better and more sincere President for Russia
than Obama is for the U.S. (but his term thankfully ends in two years!).
I have enjoyed reading your article and the posts here. It has been
instructive!

KumarPalani

I Completely agree with the fact that US had little chance but to ally with Pakistan (It was inevitable cold war politics). However the reason was not that India choose Soviets over US and US was forced to support Pakistan.

In reality US always wanted (and preferred) India over Pakistan, but by this time, India was purely Neutral (Non-Aligned) coz of a base less logic developed by late (*thankfully) Mr. Nehru (Damn First Prime Minister).

Since India was not interested to be an US ally (or a client state) Pakistan was the next logical option for US. And once United States (automatically the western world) started to supply and support Pakistan. It became impossible for India to face things alone, and hence was forced to seek support (to balance Pakistan not to oppose US or to Join the Soviet Group of states) from Soviet Union.
________________________________><___________________________

And speaking of Chinese Move on India, (1962) Soviet union never gave a go, but surely they were not able to support India against their ally (by then) China.

And if you pay attention to what happened later you will understand that India was never a Soviet Ally by choice, but due to compulsion.

Once China attacked India, and Soviets were not ready to help, Nehru sort some kind of friendship with United States, he even allowed a base for US spy planes to track China in return for assurance that US will help India if China attacked.

John Kennedy once stated that US should assure India, that if China attacked again US will directly involve…

But that never happened, thanks to Mr. Nixon, who openly supported a brutal dictatorship and its move to crush a move for freedom (1971 war), directly threatened India by sending nuclear threats, career fleet and called India's Honorable Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi as a Witch. As a bonus he also lobbied China to attack India, or to mass troops on Indian border (*in support of Pakistan). (More than enough to ruin relationship for a long time)

__________________________________***__________________________

And to start a New Chapter (US-India Relationship), India will be glad to befriend any nation (mutually) and work with them. And it is more than true that US has done its share of good for India.

We always remember who helped us, and always pay our debts on due time (when it will be most needed). India will never forget the Soviet aid, in defeating a world of issues back in 1971. And so it will be for others who helped (will help) us.

Today's Geo Politics and Economic dependence are highly complicated and are making diplomacy very hard to manage. US and India surely know they need each other for Geo Political reasons, however they cannot sacrifice trade with the Rival groups for Economic reasons.

And hence both sides are trying to develop relationship with each other with Caution, neither side wants to tie their hands to the others…!

But I can clearly say that India and US can surely workout their difference and bond together as friends to face common issues and threats.

ume

thank you russia we love you are a true friend

Mahi

What to say

Hats off to Russians

We love you big brother of India

am

i love russia

am

pakistan’s a concubine of us n china

Dinesh Singh

By what knowledge I had about Indian National Congress party and the Gandhi-Nehru family, I thought Indira Gandhi was also just another greedy woman who wanted to be in power. But this article changed my perspective about her to some extent. Thank you Ms. Indira Gandhi for your wise and peace loving decision.

Hrushikesh S. K.

Bhai, Shrimati Indira Gandhi is the best prime minister our country ever had.

Jayant

This was the only and only wise thing she did for India. She and whole Nehru and Indira Gandhi family was thinking that India is their property and wanted rule like dictator for ever.

Dinesh Singh

A big thank you to Sanskar Shrivastava. Thanks for enlightening article.

Prakash

Its a coincidence. I am reading it today and Mr. Putin has arrived in India today itself. Thank you Russia.

tipoo2

I bet if you asked most Americans, most would not know that their government actively supported and enabled a genocide that suppressed democracy – and they’re supposed to be its exporter. What a sad part of history. Glad India kicked everyones butts with Russias help anyways.

KumarPalani

Thank about the Blood Telegram which was conveniently ignored (*forgotten) during the war.

Bharatsevak

The entire geopolitical scenario has changed. Today US sees us as their natural ally. But we must never forget the Russians they were true friends in need. We should never allow geopolitics come in the way of our friendship.

Agastya M

I feel india should make friends with China. Do lots of deals for mutual benefit. Obviously being firm on indian territorial issues.

One or two years of “you help me and I help you” and China will stop sending Pakistan new year greeting cards. Another 2 years China and India can make a joint request to the pakis- vacate all indian lands and stop exporting terrorism.

Next step is combined action. Both China and India attack and finish off Pakistan once and for all.

The survivors pledge eternal allegiance to india. The land gets integrated with India.

Next India and China get easy access to Iranian oil. A couple of pipelines will solve both country’s thirst for oil for next 50 years. The Persians get 2 new best friends. On a quite evening we can politely inquire what nadir shah did with the Peacock Throne. Can we have it back please..

Automatically the Wahhabis will achieve divine insight and come running to make peace. We just want friendship. Here take Dawood whatever and tiger memon. Please send us your list of anyone else hiding here. Also try our best quality oil. 1 + 1 free barrel for good friends.

What else the Wahhabis may ask..oh the Palestinians? Ha ha we have some 3000 sq. km. of desert out on our west coast. They can have it.

World peace achieved.

Raghu Reddy

You are dumb.Where is your knowledge??/Just like we like Kashmir ,Chinese like our Arunachal which they think as part of their Tibet. Who care anyway.Thats fact.Just like Pak wants Kashmir, they want Tibet. They cant be our friends but can trade and they will as they are smart.

Agastya Marakandeya

Over the last nearly 6 decades, Beijing has done its utmost to make the world forget that before 1950, Tibet was an independent State with not only a separate language, literature, religion or culture, but also its own Foreign Office, currency, coins, stamps and even a hand-made paper passport.
Beijing has practically succeeded to erase all these factors from the world’s collective memory, but for one thing: a thick red line.
This last symbol, the McMahon Line proving that Tibet could signed treaties on its own, delineated the Indo-Tibet border.
Beijing believes that if by a magic trick (or a bit of bullying), it can manage to annul the red line, nobody could ever challenge China’s colonization of Tibet anymore; the last proof that the powerless religious nation was invaded by its neighbour would disappear.
This is the crux of the matter and explains Beijing’s present anger and belligerence.

Agastya Marakandeya

The Chinese say that all the names south of the McMahon are Chinese. Unless Tibetan language (gompa, dzong, la, chu, etc.) has become Chinese, it is wrong. In fact both languages are etymologically and grammatically totally different. However, if the Chinese start claiming as theirs all the areas using ‘Bothia’ (Tibetan) language and scripts, Kinnaur, Lahaul, Spiti, Ladakh or Sikkim will soon be claimed by them. And why not the Buriat and Kalmyk republics of the Russian Federation? What about Darjeling (from Tibetan Dorjee Ling = the place of the Vajra)? Does it does make sense?

Agastya Marakandeya

It needs to be stated clearly that the treaty-making powers of Tibet and in particular her formalization of the “McMahon Line” were acknowledged by the Chinese Central Government of the time; and it was profitless to distort the present position of the Government of India and the statements of the Indian side in a vain attempt to repudiate the confirmation of the traditional boundary. For it was conclusively established from every angle of law and history that the “McMahon Line” agreement which confirmed the traditional boundary in the Eastern Sector was a valid Agreement which had been signed by Tibet and was now binding on China.

Raghu Reddy

He had his share of revelation!!AAnyhow cant blame and shouldnt blame Kissinger. No matter how much we love Russians, USSr was still a rogue regime. It had to be broken up. Good that world got rid of it.Our freindship should last for ever too.

The Pro Indian

I came here upon PM Modi’s visit to B’desh, june 2015.

Hail Russia!

Para meet

Good article. But Russians are not reliable. They are involved in murder of two great Indian leaders, sub ash chandra Bose and Lal bahadur shahstri

jasmine

why? before IndiA was called IndiA it was originally called HindustaN Bharath.IndiA is a hindu country.muslims should be kicked out

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